There is a lot of noise in the beauty and wellness world. Much of it conflicts; some of it pushes you to keep filling your basket and swiping your credit card; and, more often than not, it leaves you with an overflowing bathroom cabinet of barely used products.
The collagen supplement market is no exception. Available as tablets, gels, sachets, and powders, in both plain and flavored varieties, brands are making increasingly bold claims about what collagen can do, from supporting the body’s natural collagen production to improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and easing joint discomfort.
If you’re wondering what collagen actually does – and the best brands to buy – we asked experts to cut through the noise. Here, they share the top collagen supplements they recommend and what to know before adding it into your daily routine.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and acts as a crucial building block for skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. “Your body uses amino acids from food and needs nutrients, including vitamin C, for the process,” says Dr Riaz Agha, consultant at London’s Harley Clinic.
However, as we age, collagen production naturally declines, and the ability to replenish collagen decreases by one percent each year. This can contribute to visible signs of aging, such as reduced skin elasticity.
The theory is that when you ingest a collagen supplement, your body will break it into peptides and amino acids that will stimulate collagen production. “Collagen supplements are digested into amino acids and small peptides,” clarifies Dr Agha. But “they do not simply replace the collagen your skin has lost.”
Though theoretically, collagen supplements should lead to noticeable improvements, the evidence is not fully formed. “Some trials have found improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, but studies vary in quality and many have commercial funding,” says Dr Agha.
“There may be a modest benefit, although we cannot confidently predict who will notice a difference,” he advises, adding, “I would regard them as an optional addition to a skincare routine.”
Dr Michelle Henry also advises those trialling collagen supplements to keep expectations realistic. “Collagen can be a helpful addition to a healthy routine,” she says, “but I would never position it as a miracle anti-aging treatment.”
The results, which usually occur over the space of eight to 12 weeks, are usually more of a subtle improvement, rather than a transformation. “Someone may notice that their skin feels a little more hydrated or looks slightly more supple,” says Dr Henry, “but collagen supplements are not going to erase wrinkles or dramatically tighten the skin.”
How to choose the best collagen supplements
When choosing a collagen supplement, it can be difficult to separate meaningful formulations from products making bigger promises than the evidence supports. Dr Agha suggests being wary of products that overpromise. “I would be wary of products promising dramatic wrinkle reduction or claiming to reverse aging,” he says. Nor should a higher price or larger dose automatically be taken as a sign of a better product.
The basics matter, too. Dr Henry suggests looking for a reputable manufacturer, minimal unnecessary additives – “some supplements can contain a significant amount of added sugar or ingredients you may not necessarily need”– and independent third-party testing.
For the best-supported formulation, Dr Agha recommends opting for hydrolysed collagen, the form used in the majority of studies investigating collagen and skin health.
Both doctors also stress the importance of a clearly disclosed collagen dose. “With gummies, check how much collagen the recommended serving actually provides,” says Dr Agha. “The format alone does not tell you whether it will work.”
Tessa Stevens, founder of Tessa Stevens Health and Beauty Clinic in London, adds that "with any supplement, consistency is key. I always explain to clients that collagen supplements aren’t a replacement for good skincare, SPF, and healthy lifestyle choices, but they can be a useful part of a well-rounded approach to supporting the skin as we age.”
The best collagen supplements to buy
Puori
CP1 Pure Collagen Peptides
Puori takes a stripped-back approach to supplementation, focusing on clean formulations designed to support modern, active lifestyles. Its collagen peptides deliver 10 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides per serving, with no added flavorings or extras.
For Dr Agha, that simplicity is the appeal. “It is an unflavored powder with one ingredient,” he says, making it a straightforward choice for anyone who wants collagen without a long list of additions.
The brand also places an emphasis on transparency, partnering with The Clean Label Project®, which tests every batch for more than 200 contaminants and publishes the results online, so you can check exactly what you are taking.
Bare Biology
Skinful Pure Marine Collagen Powder
Bare Biology’s collagen supplement comes in powder form, with one scoop or two heaped teaspoons providing five grams of MSC-certified collagen sourced from hydrolysed wild codfish skin from Norway. “It is an option for someone who prefers a fish source and a powder without added flavoring,” says Dr Agha. While the brand recommends adding the powder to a smoothie or protein shake, the collagen is also heat-resistant, so it can also be stirred into hot coffee or incorporated into home-baked goods.
Absolute Collagen
Marine Collagen Liquid Drink
Sometimes, building and maintaining a supplement routine can be difficult. Dr Agha recommends opting for the convenience of Absolute Collagen’s liquid sachets, which arrive “ready-to-take” or can be mixed into food and drink.
Each sachet provides eight grams of hydrolysed marine collagen, with flavors including mango and pineapple, raspberry, and tangy lemon.
Vital Proteins
Collagen Peptides
Dr Henry describes Vital Proteins as a “straightforward and widely available option” for those considering a collagen supplement. Each serving provides 20 grams of collagen peptides sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, with no added sugar. The powder can be mixed into hot or cold drinks and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, so suitable for paleo and keto diets.
Sports Research
Collagen Peptides
For those who want to know exactly what they are getting from their collagen supplement, Dr Henry recommends Sports Research Collagen Peptides. Each scoop provides 11 grams of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, which can be stirred into drinks or added to recipes, alongside 10 grams of protein and 18 amino acids.
The brand also takes a rigorous approach to testing, with its supplements third-party tested and made to be non-GMO, gluten-free, and cGMP compliant.
Skinade
Skinade is a drinkable collagen supplement that combines hydrolysed marine collagen peptides with additional nutrients designed to support the skin from within," says Stevens. "I like it because it’s easy to incorporate into a daily routine and takes a more comprehensive approach than simply taking collagen alone." The supplement comes in bottles and handy travel sachets. Celebrity fans of the brand include Victoria Beckham and Jen Atkin.
Advanced Nutrition Programme
Skin Collagen Synergy
"Collagen Synergy from Advanced Nutrition Programme is another favorite of mine," says Stevens. "Rather than just focusing on collagen itself, its formulation provides targeted nutritional support for the body’s natural collagen production and overall skin health." This pack comes with 112 capsules (four per pod to be taken daily). For best absorption, it's recommended to take them with a main meal.
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How we chose the best collagen supplements
Each collagen supplement featured is independently selected by healthcare experts, informed by first-hand reviews and recommendations. Our curation spans the world’s most premium brands, chosen for their uncompromising quality and exceptional rankings.
